Monday, June 30, 2014

This is the second update for the 2014 Summer edition of International Shortwave Frequency Guide. The ebook from Teak Publishing, can be purchased at Amazon.com for US $ 4.99, and is available at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K6YKNFM

All time references are in UTC, frequencies in kHz (kilohertz) // indicates a parallel frequency. Broadcast are daily unless otherwise indicated.

USA, Voice of America
VOA to end shortwave broadcasts in English and several language services. From Monday June 30 all shortwave frequencies for English News programs to Asia will be eliminated. We will no longer be heard via shortwave in the morning 2200-0200 UT and in the evening 1200-1600 UT.

Shortwave frequencies for the following services will also be eliminated:

This may not be a complete listing for all of VOA's Asian services that were dropped. Missing from this release are services in Burmese, Cantonese, Chinese, Korean and Tibetan. When an updated version is available, it will be posted on this blog./GVH

Unfortunate news from the Voice of America: Congress has approved major cuts to US international broadcasting over shortwave. Thanks to Dan Robinson for sharing this significant news. Dan writes:
This news emerging from VOA late Friday:
VOA to end shortwave broadcasts in English and several language services Monday.
Received this late Friday afternoon: "FAREWELL TO SHORTWAVE".
We were informed late Friday that BBG's proposed shortwave cuts for FY2014 have been approved by theCongress. As of the end of the day on Monday, June 30th, all shortwave frequencies for the English News

programs to Asia will be eliminated. We will no longer be heard via shortwave in the morning (12-16 UT),

and in the evening (22-02 UT) ... mostly in Asia.
Shortwave frequencies for the following services will also be eliminated:
Azerbaijani, Bangla, English (Learning), Khmer, Kurdish, Lao and Uzbek.
Shortwave being used by services at RFE/RL and RFA are also being cut. Because shortwave has been a cheap and effective way to receive communications in countries with poor infrastructure or repressive
regimes, it was a good way to deliver information. But broadcasting via shortwave is expensive, and its use by listeners has been on the decline for years. At the BBG, the cost vs. impact equation no longer favors
broadcasts via this medium to most of the world.
Important for us is that we will continue to be heard on shortwave frequencies during those hours we broadcast to Africa. Also, we know through our listener surveys that about half of our audience in Asia and the rest of the world listens to us via the web and podcast - so all is not lost.
Let's break the news about this change to our audiences starting Sunday night. I doubt specific frequencies are critical to announce. The important point to make for our listeners is that we encourage their continued

listening through local affiliates, and on the web at "voanews.com."
(Dan Robinson-USA via Dave Porter G4OYX {ex-VoA / BBC Woofferton site}
Sweeping cuts to VOA, RFE and RFA shortwave services.
Bureaucrats gave listeners little time to learn about shortwave cuts by VOA, RFA, and RFE/RL.

(WWDXC/Top News 1167/29 June 2014)

BBG Watch Commentary
Executives in charge of the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), which operates radio transmissions for

the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), have once again shown their contempt for loyal radio listeners of many years, as well as for Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and Radio Free Europe /

Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalists and broadcasters who prepare shortwave radio broadcasts, which IBB

just announced it wants to terminate at the end of the day on June 30, 2014 in a massive and in most cases

complete cut affecting many countries without free media:
Belarus, Caucasus, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iraq (Kurdish), Cambodia, Laosand Vietnam.
At the very least, BBG members should intervene and tell IBB executives that they cannot give radio listeners only a day or two to adjust to such a major change. They should also demand that IBB executives show a

little more respect for managers and journalists at VOA, RFA, and RFE/RL.
All shortwave frequencies will also be eliminated for Voice of America English radio broadcasts to Asia,

Voice of America's English teaching programs, and VOA programs to Bangladesh.

Voice of America to end shortwave broadcasts in English and several language services. From Monday June 30all shortwave frequencies for English News programs to Asia will be eliminated. We will no longer be heard via shortwave in the morning 2200-0200 UT and in the evening 1200-1600 UT.

Shortwave frequencies for the following services will also be eliminated:

There are no listings below for additional VOA Asian services including Burmese, Cantonese,

This is sampling of Special Expeditions and Events on amateur radio for the month of July. Events are open to amateur radio operators, and shortwave listeners. QSLing may include special event cards, certificates or both. QSLing information or requirements are as indicated in the postings.

References to operating times are in UTC

Laos

July 1
XW, Laos. Reports indicate that Larry, AG6OU, son of XW0ZJZ, will once again be active as XW6OU from Vientiane, Laos, starting July 1st. Activity will be on 20 meters and mainly SSB. Length of his stay is not known at the moment. QSL via E21EIC and eQSL.

July 1-7
Bicentennial of the Writing of the Star Spangled Banner. 0000-0000, W3FT, Reisterstown, MD. Baltimore Amateur Radio Club. 7.205 3.825. QSL. Baltimore Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 120, Reisterstown, MD 21136. We will be operating as a sister station in the 13 colonies special event. www.w3ft.com

July 22-31
Sesquicentennial of The Battle of Atlanta, 0000-2359, W4A, Atlanta, GA. The Southeastern Underground Radio Fellowship. 14.070. QSL. Chase Turner, P.O. Box 422261, Atlanta, GA 30342. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of General William T. Sherman stopping by Atlanta and asking for a match. QSL cards to all worked stations. Will be working vacation style -- so when you find us, please spot us!

July 13 - Callsign 3D2ML: Viti Levu Island, Fiji (??- 016) Activity will be on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via his home callsign

July 1- 4
Iceland, TF Gust, ON6KE, will be active as TF/ON6KE from Iceland (EU-021, WLOTA 2975). Activity will be holiday style (early mornings and evenings and on-off during trips) on the HF bands using CW, SSB and JT65. Equipment is a FT-817ND and magnetic loop. QSL via LoTW or eQSL (no QSL cards).

July 7-13
Chincoteague Island, NA-083. Art, NN7A, will operate as NN7A/4. Activity will be all CW and holiday
style running 100 watts into a wire and vertical antennas. QSL via NN7A, direct or by the Bureau.

July 8-21
South Cook Islands, E5, Joel, K2QBV, will be active as E51QBV from Rarotonga Island (OC-013). This is the second phase of his summer 2014 vacation with New Zealand (K2QBV/ZL) being the first. Joel states, "The E51 South Cook operation (E51QBV) is NOT a DXPEDITION but a vacation for my wife and myself while still enjoying amateur radio and visiting friends along the way." So look for his operations to be limited (holiday style). (qrz.com)

Equipment used on South Cook will be a Yaesu 756 Pro, Ameriton AL1200, Tennadyne T7 log or a KLM 4 element on 20m. The tower is at 70/80 ft. If you worked Joel on SOUTH COOK and desire a QSL card, send a card to his home QTH with a SASE or two dollars if you're overseas.

July 9-13
Palau, T8, Ken, BM2JCC/JP1RIW, will once again be active as T88KH from the "West Plaza Hotel by the Sea" (GRID PJ77FI) on Koror Island (OC-009). Activity will be on 80-6 meters, including the 17/12m and mostly on the High Band on SSB using 500w on HF and 100w on 6m. His antennas are: 80m Vertical, 40/30m DP, 20/15/10m 3 element Beam, 17/12m 2 element HB9CV and 6m 5 element Beam. QSL via BM2JCC.

July 12-13
Jamaica, 6Y, Lali, VE3NE, will be in Jamaica for the IARU HF World Championship (July 12-13th) using the callsign 6Y3M. He states, "This time my wife, Agnes (ex-HG9MAT) will join me, and we will be in Multi-Single category. She is a bit rusty but we are practicing using VE3NEA's pile up trainer to bring her speed up. Go easy on her though...:-) We are not going to win, but I am very excited because this is the first time we are entering into a contest as a team." Lali and his XYL will be in Jamaica from July 11-14th. QSL via VE3NE.

July 12-19
Anna Maria Island, NA-034. Operators Dragan/K0AP and Vlado/N3CZ will be active as homecall/4
from Anna Maria Island. Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via their
home callsigns.

July 16-22
St. Pierre and Miquelon, FP. Operators Gerhard/OE3GEA and Oliver/OE5OHO will be active as FP/homecall from Miquelon Island (NA-032). Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters using mostly CWwith low power and wire antennas. QSL via their home callsign.

July 19-25
Langeland Island, EU-172. Marc, PD7YY, will be active as OZ/PD7YY from Langeland Island
(DIA FY-019, WLOTA 0590). Activity will be holiday style on the HF bands. QSL via PD7YY,
by the Bureau or direct. NO eQSL or LoTW.

July 19-26
Aland Island, OH0. Alex, IW5ELA, will be active as OH0/IW5ELA. Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters using mainly CW. Equipment is a FT857 with 100 watts into a vertical antenna. QSL via his home callsign. Every contact will be confirmed by the Bureau.

July 19 - August 1
Enoe Island (DIA SJ-028, EU-029, Ric, DL2VFR, will be active from Enoe Island and the Karrebaek, Dybsoe og Avnoe Fjorde (WWFF OZFF-084). He will also be an entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest

(July 26-27th). Activity will be on the HF bands using mostly CW. QSL via DL2VFR, by the Bureau or direct.

July 20-27
Ocracoke Island, NA-067. Nathan, N4YDU, will once again be active from Ocracoke Island between July 20-27. Activity will be on 80-6 meters using CW and SSB. Operations will also include the RSGB IOTA Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power/Mixed-Mode entry using the callsign W4O. QSL via N4YDU direct only.

July 24-31
Adak Island, Alaska, (IOTA Op). Yuri, N3QQ, will be active using the Russian Robinson Club callsign KL7RRC from Adak Island (NA-039). If he gets a special permit from U.S. FWS and U.S. Navy, and
weather/time permits as well as obtaining a boat, Yuri will go to Kiska Island (NA-070) for the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via N7RO.

July 25-28
Liuqiu Island, AS-155. Operators Leon/BU2CN, Tang/BM2AAV, Eddie/BV2DD, Evan/BV2KS,
Lee/BV2NT, Lee/BX2AB, Koshiro/JA3AQM and Bom/XX9LT will be active from Liuqiu Island. Activity will be on 40-6 meters using CW and SSB. They will also be in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th) signing BV0L and as a Multi-2/ Island entry. QSL via BV0L (see QRZ.com).

July 26-27
Canary Islands, EA8. Members of the Union De Radioaficionados De Tenerife (Seccion S/C Laguna) will be active as EA8URT from Tenerife Island (AF-004) during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th) as a Multi-Op/Island entry. Operators mentioned are Francisco/EA8CSB, Jose/EA8CZT and Juan/EA8VJ. QSL via direct (see QRZ.com) or by the Bureau.

July 26-27
Fladda, Inner Hebrides, EU-008. Dave, GM4NFI, is planning to be active as GM4NFI/P from Fladda,
Inner Hebrides, on the Saturday of the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27) as a Single-Op/Mixed-Mode (mostly SSB) entry using 100 watts to a portable dipole. QSL via his home address, direct or by the Bureau. PLEASE NOTE: This operation is VERY much weather dependent as landing is VERY difficult if there is any bad sea condition because he is using a small boat.

July 26-27
Scotland, EU-008. Members of the West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society [WOSARS] (GM4AGG) will be active as GM4AGG/P from Iona Island (where Saint Columba first landed in Scotland) in the Inner Hebrides during the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via direct or by the Bureau.

July 26-27
Scotland, EU-123. Tom, GM0FGI, will be active from the Isle of Bute (Scottish Islands CL2, WW Loc IO75lr, WAB NS15) during the RSGB IOTA Contest, as a Single-Op/SSB-Mode/High-Power entry. QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. Visit his Web page at: http://www.kilchattan-bay.co.uk

July 26-27
Hitra Island, EU-036. Arno, DL1CW, will be active as LA/DL1CW/m from Hitra Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest, as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via DL1CW.

July 26-27
Flores Island, EU-089. Operators António/CU8AS, Hermann/HB9CRV, Siggi/DL2YHY, Lutz/ DL8MLD, Arlindo/CT1EGW (CU8AU), Luis/CT1EEQ (CU8AV), Pedro/CT1EKD and Luis/CT4NH (CU8NH) will be active as CR2V from Flores Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via HB9CRV (QRZ.com address). Activity outside of the contest will be made using their individual callsigns. QSL via their home callsigns (QRZ.com address). The operators will be there between July 21-28.

July 26-27
Petite Island, EU-107. Operators Gil/F4FET and Diego/F4HAU will be active as TM1BIG from Petite Island (DIFM MA055) during the RSGB IOTA Contest as a Multi-Op/SSB-Mode/Expedition/High-Power/24 hour entry. QSL via F4FET. Also, look for activity after the contest. Activity will be on 80-10 meters.

July 26-27
EU-028, Stefano, IV3LZQ, will be active as IA5/IV3LZQ from Giglio Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest, as a Single-Op/CW-Mode entry. QSL via his home callsign direct only (see QRZ.com).

July 26-31
Great Blasket Island, EU-007. Members of the Papa Lima DX Group and other guest operators will once again be active as EJ0PL from Great Blasket Island. Activity is usually on 80-6 meters using CW,
SSB and the Digital modes. They will also be on the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27) signing as EJ1Y. QSL via EI5JQ, direct or by the Bureau. An OQRS will be available via ClubLog. Log will be uploaded to LoTW, eQSL and HRDLOG.net.

July 26-27
Capezzone Island, EU-091. Members of team IQ7AF, the Radio Club of ARI Lecce section, will be active as IQ7AF/P from Capezzone Island (IIA P-027) during the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL by the Bureau or direct.
(ARRL/OPDX # 1165/1166/1167/1168/1169)

Below are specials for July and August. I will send this same email beginning of August as a reminder.

Check out the added bonuses on DX supply special offers. AND some nice new ones on U.S. discounted postage....sure would like to move out more of the U.S. postage...hint! hint! See new lower prices highlighted in RED!!...AND International Rate available AGAIN!!

If you need a current stamp list or supply list, I can email it to you.

A list of the countries we stock that have issued their own international forever stamps is yours for the asking.

NEW RATES:
Sweden now 14 kr, up from 12 kr.
Spain now 0,92 up from 0,90
New Zealand rate will be $2.50 starting July 1st, up from $2.40, NZ units updated early June.
Make ups available for these three.

NEW PRICES:

STAMPS ON BACK ORDER: Hungary, Morocco, Switzerland.

BACK ORDERS will now be sent with your next stamp order, unless I have several to send you. Am losing money by sending out one at a time. Sorry.

:Issued: 2014 Jun 30 0632 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 23 - 29 June 2014
Solar activity was at low levels this period with only C-class flares observed. Region 2104 (S10, L=270, class/area=Dki/260 on 29 Jun) produced the largest event of the period, a C4 flare at 29/1152 UTC.
Among regions that were in transit across the visible disk this period, Region 2096 (N09, L=357, class/area=Cao/120 on 25 Jun) and Region 2104 were the most productive.
Region 2096 was the primary flare producer throughout the period, totaling seven C-class flares with a C2 flare at 26/0918 UTC being the largest. Late in the period, Region 2104 emerged onto the visible disk and produced nine C-class flares in a two day time span.
On 23 June, an approximately 5 degree long filament was seen in SDO/AIA 304 imagery erupting near S18E10. On 25 June, an approximately 23 degree long filament, centered near N20E18, was observed lifting off the disk in SDO/AIA 304 imagery. Analysis of the WSA-Enlil runs for each associated coronal mass ejection (CME), indicated a trajectory too far off of the ecliptic plane to have appreciable impacts at Earth.
On 23 June at 2202 UTC an interplanetary shock was observed at the ACE spacecraft indicating the arrival of the 19 June filament eruption. The total interplanetary magnetic field increased from 2 nT to 5 nT with solar wind speed increasing from 320 km/s to 392 km/s. A geomagnetic sudden impulse of 34 nT was observed at the Boulder magnetometer at 23/2308 UTC. The geomagnetic field saw quiet to unsettled activity as a result of this transient.
No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal levels throughout the period, reaching a maximum value of 160 pfu at 23/1700 UTC.
Geomagnetic field activity was predominately quiet with periods of unsettled conditions on 23-24 June and 28-29 June.
Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 30 June - 26 July 2014
Solar activity is expected to be low with a chance for M-class (R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate)) flare activity throughout the outlook period due to Region 2104 (S10, L=270), Region 2106 (N15, L=261), Region 2107 (S20, L=259), and with the return of old region 2087 (S18, L=155).
No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be normal to moderate throughout the outlook period.
Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be predominately quiet throughout the period with the exceptions of unsettled conditions on 2-3 July, 11 July, 14-17 July and isolated active conditions on 15 July due to anticipated effects from a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS).

Friday, June 27, 2014

Some of our North American listeners may be busy this weekend because of the
annual amateur radio Field Day event. If you are participating, you might want
to take a break to tune in VOA Radiogram and
demonstrate the concept to other radio amateurs. This weekend's program
will include items that will be of interest to anyone involved in radio.

Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram, program 65, 28-29 June 2014 (MFSK32):

1:36 Program preview
2:40 Field Day greetings to radio
amateurs, with image 5 03 VOA Cold War broadcasts from
a Coast Guard cutter, with image14:25 Scientists push for
continued HAARP funding, with image23:08 Associazione Italiana
Radioascolto 10M river beacon, with image26:30 Closing
announcements

There will also be two surprise modes at the end of the show.

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com.

Again this weekend, VOA Radiogram is recorded at a sample rate of 8000 Hz.
This does not seem to have any negative effect on the decoding of the digital
modes, but it does make the opening and closing music sound muddy and low-fi.
Now that I've remembered the Fldigi Configure > Sound Card > Wav setting,
things should be back to normal next week.

This weekend, The Mighty KBC will also transmit greetings to
Field Day participants this weekend. A minute of MFSK64 will be transmitted
Saturday at about 1130 UTC on 6095 kHz, and Sunday at about 0130 UTC (Saturday
9:30 pm EDT) on 9925 kHz. Both frequencies are via Germany. Reports to
themightykbc@gmail.com .

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces the release of the third
QSL card in the series highlighting the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB)
transmitter sites used for RFA programming. RFA programs broadcast from the
following IBB sites: Biblis, Iranawila, Kuwait, Lampertheim, Saipan and Tinian. IBB's Iranawila transmitter site in Sri Lanka
is equipped with four 500 kW and three 250 kW transmitters. All seven of these transmitters broadcast at
a power level of 250 kW in carrying out the station’s mission, which includes
broadcasting RFA's Burmese programming on shortwave. This is RFA’s 54th
QSL overall and will be used to confirm all valid RFA reception reports from
July 1-August 31, 2014.

RFA’s 3rd IBB
transmitter site QSL – IBB Iranawila, Sri Lanka

RFA is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts
news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and
timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and
incorporated in 1996, RFA broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to
North Korea, Lao, Mandarin (including the Wu dialect), Vietnamese, Tibetan
(Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and
fairness in its editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides
news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the
free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and
dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local
interest. More information about Radio
Free Asia, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at
www.rfa.org.

RFA encourages listeners to
submit reception reports. Reception
reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and
quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by
mailing a QSL card to the listener. RFA
welcomes all reception report submissions at http://techweb.rfa.org (follow the
QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX’ers, but also from its general listening
audience. If you have a smart phone,
feel free to use the QR code below to access our main website for the latest
news and information from Radio Free Asia.

Reception reports are also accepted by email at
qsl@rfa.org and by mail to:

Monday, June 23, 2014

:Issued: 2014 Jun 23 0420 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 16 - 22 June 2014
Solar activity was at low levels this period with only C-class flares observed. Region 2085 (S20, L=257, class/area=Ekc/490 on 12 Jun), which was very active last period, produced a long duration C8 flare from behind the west limb which was the largest event of the period.
Among regions that were in transit across the visible disk this period, Regions 2087 (S18, L=155, class/area=Eac/220 on 13 Jun), 2089 (N18, L=197, class/area=Dkc/270 on 16 Jun), and 2093 (S12, L=083, class/area=Dso/70 on 16 Jun) were the most productive.
Early in the period Regions 2087 and 2089 were the most active. Region 2087 produced seven C-class flares this period with a C4 flare at 17/0510 UTC being the largest. Region 2089 also produced seven C-class flares, the largest of which was a C2/Sf flare at 16/0734 UTC. Later in the period Region 2093 became the primary solar flare producer, totaling nine C-class flares with a C5/1n flare at 20/1120 UTC being the largest.
On 19 Jun a large (~24 degree) and dynamic filament eruption centered near S01E12 lifted off between 1530-1655 UTC, as seen in SDO AIA/304 and 193 imagery. A subsequent partial halo coronal mass ejection (CME) off the east limb became visible in LASCO C2 coronagraph imagery beginning at 19/1924 UTC. Forecaster analysis and WSA-ENLIL model output suggested this CME had an Earth-directed
component with an estimated arrival predicted late in the period (UTC) on 22 Jun.
Another filament eruption (~28 degree) centered near N26E09 was observed in SDO AIA/193 imagery lifting off between 0330-0600 UTC on 21 Jun. A subsequent CME was observed off the north-northwest limb in LASCO C2 in coronagraph imagery beginning at 21/0536 UTC. Analysis of this event indicated a possible glancing blow midday on 24 Jun.
No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal levels to begin the period (16-19 Jun) with an increase to normal to moderate levels later in the period (20-22 Jun). The 2 MeV electron flux reached a peak value of 487 pfu at 20/1440 UTC.
Geomagnetic field activity was predominately at quiet to unsettled levels throughout the period with the exception of an isolated active period (18/1800-2100 UTC) and an isolated period of G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions (18/2100-2359 UTC) due to a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) and prolonged southward Bz.
A G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm watch was issued for 22 Jun for the anticipated arrival of the 19 Jun CME (detailed above), however, the transient did not arrive as predicted and G1 conditions were not observed on the 22nd. This is likely due in part to a minor deviation in one of the many variables that transient features
enounter during the 93-million mile journey to the Earth.
Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 23 June - 19 July 2014
Solar activity is expected to increase throughout the outlook period due to the return of a few active regions that were relatively productive last rotation. Solar activity is likely to be low with a slight chance for M-class (R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate)) flare activity for 23-25 Jun. As Regions 2080 (S11, L=263) and 2085 (S20, L=256) return to the visible disk, solar activity is expected to be low with a chance for M-class (R1-R2) flare activity for 26 Jun-05 Jul. Region 2080 produced two M-class flares and Region 2085 produced three M-class flares last rotation. Solar activity is likely to be moderate (R1-R2) with a chance for X-class (R3 or greater) flare activity for 06-11 Jul with the return of Region 2087 (S18, L=155) which produced eight M-class flares and three X-class flares last rotation. Solar activity is expected to be low with a chance for M-class (R1-R2) and a slight chance for X-class (R3 or greater) flare activity for 12-19 Jul as Regions 2080 and 2085 rotate around the west limb and Region 2087 continues its transit across the disk.
There is a slight chance for S1 (Minor) solar radiation storm conditions for 06 Jun-19 Jul due to the return of old Region 2087 .
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal levels with a chance for moderate levels throughout the outlook period.
Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet levels to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions on 23 Jun due to the arrival of the 19 Jun coronal mass ejection (CME). Quiet to active levels are expected on 24-25 Jun as CME effects subside in conjunction with the onset of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). Quiet to active levels are expected on 26 Jun due to continued negative polarity CH HSS influence. Predominately quiet conditions and a nominal solar wind environment are expected for 27 Jun-10 Jul, 12-13 Jul, and 18-19 Jul. Quiet to unsettled conditions are likely on 11 Jul due to weak positive polarity CH HSS effects. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on 14 Jul and 16-17 Jul with quiet to active conditions on 15 Jul due to influence from a negative polarity CH HSS.

Hello friends,VOA Radiogram this weekend will be different in that I recorded it at a
sample rate of 8000 Hz rather than the usual 48000 Hz. This is because I have
not yet configured the new installation of Fldigi in my new PC.

Despite
the 8000 Hz sample rate, I was able to decode the MFSK32 and surprise modes from
the recording with no difficulty. And it probably should make no difference in
your decoding. But, if it does, please let me know. (The audio file I uploaded
to North Carolina is only 27 MB, compared to the usual 160+ MB for the shows
recorded at the usual 48000 Hz sample rate.)

VOA Radiogram for the
weekend of 21-22 June 2014 (program 64) will be in the usual MFSK32 mode, except
for two surprise modes at the end of the show...

The Mighty KBC will transmit a minute of MFSK64 Saturday at
about 1130 UTC on 6095 kHz, and Sunday at about 0130 UTC (9:30 pm EDT) on 9925
kHz. Both frequencies via Germany. Reports to themightykbc@gmail.org .

I
hope to respond to all your emails from program 63 before the last broadcast of
program 64 this weekend. Then, I'll work backwards, responding to your very
helpful reports sent during my May travels.

Please tune in and write
in this weekend.KimKim Andrew ElliottProducer and PresenterVOA Radiogram

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Left to Right: Peter Clottey, Joao Santarita, Andre Mendes, and Sonny Young discuss the World Cup on Penalty Box

Washington,
D.C., June 10, 2014 -- Just in time for World Cup 2014 in Brazil, Voice of
America is introducing a new soccer program and two new blogs to enable its
global audiences to better enjoy the world's game.

The new program is
called Penalty Box. It features ardent soccer lovers from VOA's
language services, diehard fans from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, all
of whom will be rooting for their native teams. With its different hosts and
many different perspectives, Penalty Box offers a broad range of
analysis and opinions - and plenty of passionate debate. The show is recorded in
a small makeshift studio - "It really is a box," says Penalty Box
creator Amish Srivastava - and the set is also rather makeshift, being decorated
with soccer jerseys, trophies, and other memorabilia donated by VOA staffers. In
addition to English, the show is also recorded in Bangla, Pashto/Dari,
Portuguese, and Swahili, making it just about as international as the game
itself.

Even before the World Cup began, Penalty Box was making
quite a splash, with several affiliates picking up the weekly segment, including
DESH TV in Bangladesh, and Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) in Afghanistan.
Penalty Box episodes are also available online and on
mobile.

Soccer fever in Africa is running high this World Cup with teams
from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Algeria vying to advance further
than any other Africa team ever has. VOA's Africa and English Divisions have
caught the fever too. They have launched two mobile sites exclusively dedicated
to covering the Cup. The sites feature original reporting from Brazil by VOA
French sports journalist Nicolas Pinault as well as plenty of soccer facts and
figures about the World Cup. The French and English sites target
younger soccer fans with on-the-go stories tailored to the mobile lifestyle, so
they can follow all things Brazil 2014 on VOA.

The Bandeirantes Radio 840 AM 90.9 FM Sao Paulo, announces its programming for the formation of the Green Chain Yellow with over 190 stations, has a young pam Radio Globo and its affiliates and subsidiaries. (Daniel Wyllyans New Xavantina MT/HCDX)

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2014 Jun 09 0403 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 02 - 08 June 2014
Solar activity ranged from very low levels on 02 and 05 June, to low levels on 04, 07 and 08 June to moderate levels on 03 and 06 June. On 03 June, an impulsive M1/2n flare was observed at 03/0409 UTC from Region 2077 (S06, L=300, class/area Dai/110 on 01 Jun). This event was followed by weak C-class activity early on 04 June, also from Region 2077. Between 04/0900 - 1300 UTC, a 22 degree long filament, centered near S24E63, erupted. An asymmetric, full halo coronal mass ejection (CME) was first observed in Lasco C2 imagery at 04/1325 UTC. Initial analysis of Lasco C2/C3 coronagraph and STEREO B imagery indicated an approximate speed of 521 km/s. Subsequent WSA-Enlil model output suggested the resultant CME would move well south of the ecliptic plane.
Low to moderate levels returned on 06 June with numerous low-level C-class flares observed from Region 2080 (S12, L=261, class/area Dkc/340 on 08 Jun) including an M1/Sf observed at 06/1931 UTC. At 06/1237 UTC, a Type II (637 km/s shock velocity) radio sweep was recorded from enhanced brightenings observed on STEREO-B EUVI imagery from an active region behind the SE limb. On 07 June, Region
2083 (S12, L=353, class/area Bxo/010 on 05 Jun) contributed a pair of weak C-class events. The period ended on 08 June with C-class activity observed off and behind the SE limb in the vicinity of old Region 2065 (S19, L=151). The largest of these events was a C5 X-ray flare at 08/2354 UTC with an associated Type II (890 km/s shock velocity) radio emission.
No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was normal levels through the period.
Geomagnetic field activity was at predominately quiet to isolated unsettled levels through 07/1500 UTC. During this period, a nominal solar wind environment was present with speeds ranging from about 260 km/s to near 400 km/s. IMF total field strength averaged about 6 nT while the Bz component varied between +6 to -8 nT. Phi was predominately in a positive (away) orientation through about 04/0445 UTC when a switch to a more negative (towards) sector was observed. This orientation was mostly prominent through the remainder of the summary period.
Midday to late on 07 June, solar wind parameters suggested the arrival of a transient perhaps compounded by the presence of a high speed stream. At 07/1609 UTC an interplanetary shock was observed at the ACE spacecraft. Total field measurements increased from 4 nT to 13 nT while wind speed increased from 335 km/s to 457 km/s. The Bz component initially went north near +8 nT before a brief maximum southward deflection of -13 nT occurred at 07/1849 UTC. This shock arrival was attributed to the 04 June SE quadrant filament eruption. Phi remained mostly negative and temperature slowly rose in the wake of the shock. Beginning around 08/0100 UTC, the total field began oscillating, Bz became predominantly southward and solar wind speed began a gradual rise. Wind speed reached 577 km/s by 08/0507 UTC, Bt peaked at 29 nT at 08/0653 UTC while Bz reached a low near -17 nT at 08/0426 UTC. Phi rotated between negative and positive between 07/2300-08/0400 UTC. Around 08/0730 UTC, Bt dropped abruptly and remained below 22 nT afterwards while the oscillations in Bz slowly subsided. By 08/1930 UTC, Bt was steady at about 4 nT while Bz averaged about +1 nT. Wind speeds remained elevated at 600 to 625 km/s through the end of the period.
Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 09 June - 05 July 2014
Solar activity is expected to be at predominately low levels with a chance for moderate activity through the outlook period.
No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels on 09 - 12 June and 21 - 23 June. Normal levels are expected for the remainder of the outlook period.
Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at predominately quiet levels. Quiet to isolated active levels are expected on 09 June due to lingering CME/coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) effects. Quiet to unsettled levels are expected on 08, 18-19 and 25-26 June due to recurrent CH HSSs.